Published July 18, 2014 by

Part I: Social Media 101 for Coffee Shops

socialmediaThink having a static website is enough for your coffee shop business? Think again. Implementing the right social media tools can  unleash incredible potential to market your product and brand.

Here is why you should consider social media to your marketing mix:

  • In a competitive market, relying on quality product and environment is not enough to expand your consumer base.
  • Engaging with your customers outside of your coffee shop is difficult but using the right social media tools, you can interact with them, share ideas, promote events/products/services, etc.

Next, consider some of these popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube. You don’t need to be everywhere at the same time. Follow where your customers are likely to be online such as posting images on Instagram or tweeting on Twitter or liking pages on Facebook.

How to Implement Social Media The Right Way

When done correctly, utilizing social media can maximize the reach of your current and potential customers, build relationships with your clients outside of your coffee shop and receive feedback on your brand and products.

Engage! Engage! Engage!

  • Initiate conversations on Facebook or Twitter. Communicating with your customers through social media can be powerful and when they’re engaged with your business, you can receive very useful information that will help make your business successful. But do pay attention to responses as sometimes you’ll learn more about them than you thought (i.e.; tastes, thoughts, ideas, etc)! In return, customers will feel values and their voices heard, creating a relationship between you and your business.
  • Try marketing your product indirectly by implementing photo contests with brand related contest and prize that brings them back to the shop such as gift cards or store merchandise.
  • Vote contests also allow you to understand your customers better while empowering your customers.
  • Boost demand by offering a limited time only exclusive offer.
  • Don’t forget to build your fan pages, e-mail list and followers as well!

Visual is Key

  • Good quality visual graphics, company images, banners, running events, number of likes or followers all create a positive perception of your business. Make sure that the graphics are dynamic and fit the themes of your store.
  • Keep in mind that images are more powerful than words.

Stay tuned for Part II: Social Media 101 for Coffee Shops where we’ll discuss time management for social media.

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Published July 17, 2014 by

12 Ways to Run a Successful Coffee Shop

coffee shop

Ever wonder why some cafe startups fail? While there are many factors that go into the success of a coffee shop, Forbes reveals the secrets of running and managing one for the long run.

Offer the Finest Espresso – Quality is key but serve it up consistently. Customers don’t care how highly visible you are, it’s the beans they care about. Invest in a top quality espresso coffee machine and choose the best Arabica or Arabica 90%, Robusta10% freshly roasted beans and hire a well-trained barista.

Efficient Workstation Layout – During busy times, it’s important for the barista to work alone, taking more care in preparing the coffee for the customer without having to compete for space or cross-roads with the rest of the staff.

Loyalty Cards Rule – Treat your regular customers to something nice after their 7th or 8th cup and in return, they will keep coming back for more.

Offer Other Non-Coffee Items – Coffee sales alone will not pay the bills. Offer other complimentary items such as muffins, cookies, cakes, cold drinks and teas.

Limit The Choices – Don’t go over board by offering too many assortment of products as this will create anguish with your customers and it will not increase your revenue. Keep it simple (e.g.; three flavors, three sizes, three to four food items, etc.)

Price Well – Resist the temptation to apply a blanket markup for all of your products. It’s important to price according to the customer’s perceived value and market value.

Have a Clear Marketing Strategy – Have a clear understanding on the competitive marketplace and learn innovative ways to gain customers that not only keep coming back but those that help spread the word to their friends and family.

Counter Service – To reduce stress and hassle, especially during peak times, offer a number on the stand or a buzzer to your customers to call them when their order is ready.

Pre-Make As Much As Possible – Focus on custom making your coffee not the food (order or pre-make it elsewhere) as it limits your turnover during peak periods.

Understand Why You Are In Business – Customers go to coffee shops for many reasons, so understanding their needs will help you in your product offering and make wiser decisions that will get them returning for more.

Focus on Takeaway Customers – Takeaway customers pay the same price as sit-down customers without the occupancy costs.

Serve and Be Present on the Front Line – Personal attention is valuable both for the customer and business.

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